11 Day/10 Night Premium Rhone River Cruise

Journey through France on a Once-in-a-Lifetime Cruise Along the Rhone! Enjoy an 11 Day/10 Night Cruise in a French Balcony Suite. Includes All Meals, Soft Drink, Beer and Wine with Onboard Lunches and Dinners, Return Airport Transfers and More. Depart from Nice and Visit Saint-Remy de Provence, Lyon, the Palace of the Popes in Avignon, Vienne, Famous Wine Region Beaujolais and More. Only $3,999 Per Person (Twin Share) instead of $6,590

Discover France with a Cruise on the Stunning Rhone River

Take a once-in-a-lifetime voyage along the picturesque waters ofFrance with an incredible 11 Day/10 Night premium Rhone river cruise

No need to worry about getting your preferred dates. The Booking Guarantee means that if you try to make a booking before 4 June 2014 and can't get the cruise date purchased at checkout, you can get a full refund

Want to start in Paris? Travel on 14 August 2014 and enjoy the above itinerary in reverse!

Sail aboard the MS Excellence Rhone, featuring only 71 spacious suites for an intimate cruising experience and boasting stylish and expansive public areas including a sundeck for relaxation, Verdi's Bar and Lounge for a relaxing drink and Bellini's Restaurant for some gourmet cuisine

Unwind in a comfortable and spacious Larger French Balcony Suite 'Category A' featuring a versatile all-weather French balcony, plush king size bed or twin singles, flat-screen TV, sitting area, mini-bar, safe and more

Highlights of the cruise include a visit to an olive mill and farm for a tour and tasting in Saint-Remy de Provence, tasting the famous Beaujolais wine at a family-owned winery, visiting a local mustard factory in Burgundy, a stop in Lyon, the gastronomic capital of France, seeing the awe-inspiring Palace of the Popes in Avignon and much more

Enjoy onbaord entertainment throughout the cruise including music and local acts to give you insight into the region

See 'Itinerary' tab for more information

Your package also includes:

All meals including breakfast, lunch and dinner while onboard the MS Excellence Rhone with dishes like tasty spring rolls, grilled Norwegian salmon, fried tofu and eggplant, crepe suzette with ice cream and more

Daily drinks including soft drink, beer and local wine during lunch and dinner on your river cruise

The services of a dedicated Cruise Director during your river cruise

A welcome cocktail reception and Captain's gala dinner

Guided tours of nine different towns, villages and cities with an expert local guide, giving you an insight into European history and culture

Allport charges and gratuities to Cruise Director and crew,so you don't have to worry about a thing

Free bicycle hire so you can explore the regions and enjoy some exercise

Airport transfers once on tour so you can arrive and depart in comfort

Buy this deal with security. This offer is being sold by Licensed Travel Agent TA-0033111 Luxescapes Travel, registered with the Travel Compensation Fund, Fund File Number 10630. Purchasers are protected

What We Like

Discover some of the most iconic cities in France, including sunny Nice, gastronomic Lyon and historical Avignon, with this picture-perfect river journey along the famous Rhone

Return on tour airport transfers are included for your convenience, so you can continue your journey on to another part of marvellous Europe or return to Australia with ease

The best part of river cruising is you only have to unpack once and can visit a selection of popular destinations without ever having to worry about accommodation or food - its the perfect French holiday made simple!

You can review all the terms and conditions of the deal by clicking on the 'Fine Print' tab above

Valid for the 11 days/10 night Premium Rhone cruises departing 14 August 2014 and 24 August 2014 (bookings must be made before 15 June 2014)

These packages are for the cruise only. Flights are not included. Valid for cruise selected at checkout only

Strictly subject to availability and please book early to secure your place (bookings must be made before 17 June 2014)

Voucher is valid for one person (twin share). You must purchase and redeem two vouchers per booking

Maximum Room Capacity: The maximum room capacity is two adults

Voucher and credit card must be presented at check-in

Value has been determined based on the cruise's published rack rates provided and the value of inclusions

Strictly no refunds for this voucher for amendments and change of date - fees are at the cruises discretion/policy. No refund if voucher has not been redeemed by 15 June 2014

Airport transfers are ONLY available on the start date and end date of cruise

All surcharges are payable directly to the cruise provider

Prices include all taxes and fees and onboard gratuities

Additional expenses such as (but not limited to) flights are not included with this voucher

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. We suggest purchasing travel insurance as soon as possible after purchasing this voucher

Not valid in conjunction with any other offer or on existing reservations

All activities and services are subject to availability

Redemption instructions can be found on your voucher

Book your flight through us.Booking a flight is a quick, easy process. First, confirm your hotel booking dates. Then, email us at flights@luxuryescapes.com with your phone number, preferred travel dates, and departure and arrival cities. We will be in touch within 24 business hours with a quote at the lowest rate possible!

Travel insurance. Why not take advantage of our limited introductory 20% discount offer? Luxury Escapes has partnered with ACE Insurance Limited (ACE) as our preferred specialist insurance underwriter, with negotiated rates. To obtain immediate cover for Loss of Deposits and Cancellation Charges, you can clickheretobuy a policy now and save 20%

How to get there

Getting to Nice or Paris is easy! Flights depart from most capital cities to Paris (including stopovers) via Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qantas and more. Catch a connecting flight to Nice or fly via London or Amsterdam.

Book your flight through us.Booking a flight is a quick, easy process. First, confirm your hotel booking dates. Then, email us at flights@luxuryescapes.com with your phone number, preferred travel dates, and departure and arrival cities. We will be in touch within 24 business hours with a quote at the lowest rate possible!

Day 1. Arrive Nice, Arles*

Arrive Nice and be transferred to Arles where your river ship awaits. On board tonight, meet your cruise Director and fellow passengers before dinner.

This morning, visit the hilltop village of Les Baux de Provence. Taste of France - visit an olive mill and farm in Sain-Remy de Provence for a tour and tasting. Return to your ship for lunch, then enjoy an afternoon of sightseeing in Arles. Set on the mouth of the Rhone delta, the Provencal light of this Mediterranean city captured the imagination of Vincent Van Gogh. Here, you'll be able to glimpse the locales and vistas that inspired many of his famous works. You'll also admire the Romanesque Cathedral, Constantine's Baths, and the Roman Amphitheatre. Tonight, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail Reception and Captain's Gala Dinner.

Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 3. Avignon

This morning, explore Avignon on a guided tour. Still surrounded by impressively preserved stone ramparts, this stunning World Heritage-listed city offers a host of grand monuments and architectural treasures. Meander along cobblestones and visit the world's largest Gothic palace, the 14th-century Palace of Popes that dominates the city, and see one of the world's most iconic bridges, the Pont d'Avignon. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure. Perhaps join an optional tour to Luberon, where you can explore the medievil hilltop villages in the region.

Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 4. Viviers, Grignan

Traverse the picturesque Rhone-Alpes region in southeastern France that leads to the village of Grignan. Perched on the flanks of a largely rocky peak and dominated by the imposing presence of the Chateau des Adhemar de Monteil, this is rural France at its best. Explore Grignan's labyrinth of picturesque, winding streets and pretty squares on a guided tour. This delightful Provencal village also boast literary fame, made famous through the correspondence of Marie de Rabutin-Chantal, Marquise de Sevigne, with her daughter in Grignan. Afterwards, enjoy free time to explore further.

Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 5. Tournon, Boucieu-Le-Roi

Today, travel through the stunning Ardeche mountains to the town of Boucieu-Le-Roi. Nestled amid a green valley, this charming town watches peacefully over the banks of the Doux River. Enjoy a fascinating tour through the town that includes a visit to the quaint local market where you can sample some regional delicacies. Perhaps partake in a spot of petanque with the locals here. Later, set sail for Vienne.

Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 6. Vienne

Today, disembark at Vienne for a sightseeing tour. Once the capital city of the Allobroges, a Gallic people, the city was transformed into a Roman colony in 47BC under Julius Caesar due to its ideal location along the Rhone River. Board a mini-train and weave through the ancient streets as you pass by the remains of a Roman theatre and aqueducts. Visit the medieval churches of St Andre-Le-Bas and St Pierre Abbey and see the Roman Temple of Augustus.

Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 7. Lyon

Lyon not only marks the meeting of the Saone and Rhone rivers but is also the gastronomic capital of France. Here, you'll uncover its rich ancient history on a locally guided tour that includes Roman ruins and early Christian sites that have helped earn the city its World Heritage listing. You'kk absorb the stunning panoramic views of the city from the Basilique Notre-Dame de Fourviere and then discover the Renaissance charm of Old Lyon and its narrow alleyways that pass through its buildings. This afternoon, enjoy some time at leisure to further explore the city as you wish. Perhaps visit the delightful botanical gardens, the Parc de la Tete d'Or. Alternatively, you might like to stroll along the leafy paths that follow the banks of the Rhone River. Another option is to take the opportunity to explore the culinary delights at Lyon's fresh food markets. After, return to your ship for dinner on board.

Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 8. Beaujolais, Belleville

Today, embrace the beauty of one of France's most picturesque regions as you explore the Beaujolais countryside. Known as the 'Land of the Golden Stones' this rural paradise also produces an estimated 190 million bottles of wine a season. A tour of this charming region includes a stop in the village of Oingt, considered as one of Beaujolais' most beautiful medieval hilltop villages. Admire its charming old houses that catch the sun with their bright ochre facades. Taste of France - then, indulge in some of the region's world-famous wines as you visit a family-owned winery and enjoy a tasting of Beaujolais wine. Re-board you ship this afternoon in Belleville.

Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 9. Tournus

After breakfast, disembark at Tournus, a delightful town on the River Saone that has a wealth of old buildings, narrow alleyways and tiny squares lined with antique, artisan and food shops. You'll learn about the city's intriguing history as you explore the highlights on a locally guided tour. Tournus is one of the oldest and most important monastic centres in the region as demonstrated by its host of ancient churches and historical buildings. See the towering St Philibert Abbey, regarded as one of the finest examples of Romanesque architecture in Europe, parts of which date back to the 10th century. Afterwards, rejoin your ship and continue sailing. Perhaps head up to the Sun Deck and absorb the ever-changing scenery as the ancient towns and villages glide by. Enjoy a lunch on board as you sail towards Chalon-Sur-Saone.

Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 10. Chalon-Sur-Saone, Beaune

Travel through the rolling hills of France's Burgundy region along a scenic wine route, where the picturesque countryside is dotted by vineyards that yield some of the country's finest Pinot Noir and Chardonnay wines. Arrive in Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, and enjoy a guided tour of this ancient walled city. Like a local - gain insight into the history and manufacturing methods of mustard with a visit to a local mustard factory. Re-board your ship and enjoy a Farewell Dinner this evening.

Daily Meals Included: Breakfast, lunch, dinner

Day 11. Chalon-Sur-Saone, Depart Paris

Say goodbye to your boutique river ship in Chalon-Sur-Saone. After breakfast this morning, your holiday concludes with a transfer to Paris airport for your onward flight.

Daily Meals Included: breakfast

*This itinerary is for cruises departing 24 August 2014. Cruise departing 14 August 2014 runs in reverse order